The Love Game

Chapter 1               Beep,Beep,Beep…. Great there goes my alarm again! Note the hint of sarcasm in my tone. I am usually not a morning person when I am in my perfect little world of complete bliss. However, I have a very important meeting to attend to. After all, the whole town is depending on me to improve our standard of living. But before I get into that let me tell you a little bit about myself. Hi, I’m Rachel Hamilton, A devoted wife, mother, business owner, and serving my last year as major of my beloved little town of Heartsborrow, California. It is a quiet peaceful town full of outdoor recreational activity that attracts tourist from all over. To say that we have the best of all nature has to offer would be an understatement. It only takes a couple of hours to reach from the beach to the Lakes hidden in the Sierra mountains. That is why I love living here. You get the best of all that nature has to offer. Not to mention I am able to give my three Children the best experiences. No matter how busy I am with my various job titles I always made time for my family.   “Mom!... the littles don’t want to get up!!!!” Jackie, my oldest yelled from outside my room. She being only 10 years old already has the maturity of an independent 20-year-old. She has always been so helpful around the house and taking care of her two younger siblings. I never pushed her to be so responsible, but I was the luckiest mom in the world to have her. “Sweetie Ill be there in a minute. Go and get ready for school.” I said as I got out of bed cold from not having my husband next to me to warm me up. I head over to the bathroom and get my morning routine going. I Don’t get dressed in my business attire and just put my robe on because knowing my two youngest there are going to make a mess and it will only result in me changing outfits again. I go into Bella’s room to wake her up. “Wake up sleepy head its time to get ready for school…” “Mama I just want five more minutes…” Bella said in her groggy squeaky voice. “I know but today is a new day to make new happy thoughts!” I have always been the positive upbeat person since I was a child. I believed that life was always too short to dwell in the negativity that always seemed to trap society in. I made it my mission to always put a smile on my face and made it contagious. Yes, I was a goof ball most of the time but if it meant that my silliness made someone’s day than it was worth it. That is why I have coined the term “happy thoughts” as my go to phrase. One happy thought a day makes a difference. “Here are your cloths…now go wash up and get ready breakfast will be done in ten.” I was over with a pair of shorts and a t shirt lay it on her bed and leave to wake up another sleeping child.   “Good morning my little stud muffin!... tie to wake up!” I said to my youngest Matt. I can’t help but laugh at his sleeping position. He was on his stomach with the covers on the floor of his twin bed with his butt in the air and head on the pillow facing me. His little lips were parted just enough for drool to come out and pool on his pillow. I swear he look and acts more and more like his father. Although he is only four years old, turning five pretty soon, I can tell that he is that one that is giving me silver hair because he is an exact replica of his father. Not that I mind. Having a carbon copy of him was always a dream of mine because my husband was my everything. “get up sleepyhead!” I got to his bed and give him a quick and playful slap on his butt. “Mommy!!!!” he said giggling “Don’t mommy me… I sent your sister to come wake you up, so you deserve my version of waking you up. Now put this one and wash up. Breakfast will be done in ten.” I had him his cloths and walk out the room.   Every weekday morning was the same. Get up get myself and the kids ready for the day, make breakfast and pack lunches, then drop the kids off to school. “ok here we are, have fun, be safe, and happy thoughts. Love you” I tell all three of them as they leave my care to walk into school. I already miss the days that I would just park my car on the street and walk them hand in hand to school. Before Matt started kindergarten, I was a stay at home mom for three years. I loved every minute of it. Because I was very OCD about everything in my life, I just loved the control I had. Setting a nice routine at home while volunteering at school. I got so good at being an active hand on mom that I joined the PTA, became president and formed my own school mom support group. But that could not last because bigger and better things where calling me. Being president of the PTA opened doors for me that I never thought imaginable. I started free lancing as a floral designer again (after quitting my last job as a floral designer/manager for a company back in San Diego before Jackie was born), My husband Jonny and I have owned and operated Four Restaurants (Each a different cuisine style), and now I am finishing up my las year as Major.   On my drive to my office in city hall I get a call on my cell and it immediately connects to my Bluetooth in my SUV. “Good morning Sexy. I hope the kids didn’t give you a hard time again?” Jonny was always so sweet and always had time to call me to make sure that I was having a good day no matter what time of day it is. I always felt like I was the luckiest women in the world to have him even after being married for 11 years.   “Good So far, they didn’t give me a hard time, but the little gave Jack a hard time. I swear I need to take Jackie on a vacation or force her to take a day off. She gets so stressed when she tries to help with our morning routine.” I giggle a little knowing that you would never hear those words coming from any other parent. “Yea, I sure she gets it from you. Any who…. Ill be finishing my day early today. What do want to do this evening. And What do you want me too cook for dinner?” he said while I was contemplating. “I’m not sure but I will be late today. After I pick up the kids from school I have to head over to the new shop and finalize a few things with Cat. So really, I’m good with anything. Just make sure the kids do their homework and I will be checking it later. Don’t think I forgot what happened last week…” I was still made because I did get an email from all three of their teachers about their missing homework. “Ok love will do. Don’t stress out too much. Be safe and I love you.” “Love you too.” I’m still driving to my major office to attend a very important meeting while thinking of the many things I have to do with the new shop. I had decided that I didn’t want to run for another term as major and open up my floral shop with my best friend Cat. We met in college and instantly because sisters. She was wild and carefree, and together we enjoyed all the experiences that came with the whole college experience, including love. I introduced her to one of my friends/classmate Conner and they hit it off immediately. The three of us where like the three musketeers. We went to all the parties, set aside time to study together, even had a few road trips. On our final year I was beginning to get lonely and feel like the third wheel when I met Jonny. He was an aspiring chef with the maturity of a 30-year-old and a body that resembled a Greek God. His hazel eyes and tan olive skin just entrapped me. If our love story was put into words, it would definitely follow the cliché of “love at first sight”. After graduation we all decided to stay in San Diego where Cat and I worked as floral designers, Conner became an accountant, and Jonny was rising in the ranks at various kitchens. Until one fateful day that I lost my parents and little brother in a car crash back home. If it weren’t for the three of them deciding to pick up their life and leave San Diego to come start a new life with me back in my hometown, I don’t think I would have survived. “Good morning Mrs. Hamilton. I have your documents here to sign and I have the conference room ready for your 10 o’clock meeting.” “Thanks Beatrice! Would you mind having coffee ready for me and our guests in the conference room. And I need the agenda for our next city budget meeting.” “Will do Madame major.” She said with a teasing tone. She really was the best assistant I could ask for. The right balance of professionalism with a hint of playfulness to keep me on my toes. She always ended our office conversations with “Madame Major” because she knows that I don’t like people close to me referring to my formal title. What can I say I like being the laid-back kind of girl that can be witty and playful one minute and professional and serous the next? I proceed to sign the documents requiring my signature put them in my completion tray for Beatrice to collect later and grab the files and information I had on todays meeting. Apparently, I am to meet with a company that require permits and political backing to build a new corporate headquarters. Our little town was quickly becoming a full city with the potential of more skyscrapers in out downtown area. It was my job to make sure to preserve out town and its history. I know that its inevitable for our town enter into the technological modern age, but I want this town to keep its family/neighbor centered charm. “Madame Major its Time for your meeting.” Beatrice said while breaking my trance. “Ok Thanks.” I get up with my pad fold and files in hand and make my way to the conference room. I grew up always being prepared for anything. And this meeting was not exception. The future of our town was on the line and I spent many hours of research to make sure that I had all my basses covered. I opened the double door and entered with confidence. I was ready with my questions and concerns. If they were a battle than I was ready to fight. Once I made my way to the long table Two men stood up and went over to greet me. The first man to greet me was wearing a navy-blue suit with blonde hair and beautiful blue eyes, gorgeous no doubt, with a firm handshake. But the man next to him took me by surprise. I was shock to see him, my old childhood crush, Nathan. He was wearing a grey suit, with his brown hair perfectly styled and gelled, and his chocolate eyes staring right into me. We immediately recognized each other. “Wow, been a long time Mr. Cavanhall.” I said to break the ice. “I know right Mrs. Hamilton. I guess we were both bound to come back to this town eventually.” He said with a smirk on his face. “It has been a very long time. How long has it been? 15-20 years?” “Something like that. Not Since we parted ways in middle school.” I look towards his partner and see that the recognition in his eyes and relief that this meeting might go very smoothly with our history. “So, Mr. Cavanhall…Mr. Mark shall we start.” I was not willing to waste time considering that I am spending more taxpayers’ dollars every minute I’m in this office. An hour later, with all my questions answered and concerns addressed we have finally come to the conclusion of the meeting. “We gentlemen I am please with the information that you have given me. I will go ahead and give my support on this project and as long as the proper paperwork and permits are in order, I can see you breaking ground very soon.” “Thank you, Mrs. Hamilton. It was a pleasure.” Mr. Mark said as we all stood up to shake hands and exit the conference room. “Pleasure is all mine.” Walking outside the room I am stopped by Nate to give a final handshake. “Not to be unprofessional but it was really nice to see you Rachel. I really hope we can get a coffee sometime and catch up.” I smiled at him Thinking why not. He may have been a childhood crush, but we were still friends. “Sure, sounds like fun. Schedule something with my assistant. It was nice seeing you again.” With that we shock hands one final time, him gleaming with joy as they both walked out of the building. I have finally finished all my work before its time to pick up the kids. As I’m driving, I get a call on my cell. “Hey Rach…can we drop Leah off to your house after school? Our babysitter bailed last minute, and I don’t want to take her to our meeting.” Conner said. Leah was Cat and Conner’s 6year old Daughter. “Yea sure just text Jonny. I’m sure he is going to want to cook extra for her.” After picking up and dropping off the kids at home I race to my room to change into something more comfortable. As much as I loved my business attire, I loved being comfortable in a pair of jeans and a t shirt. As I'm finishing up I hear the Front door open and shut and the Screaming of all three Kids. “DADDYS HOME!!!” It always filled my heart hearing how excited they got to see their daddy. They may not see home weekday mornings, but they saw him every evening and that’s what counts. He was such a great dad to them, always attentive and always helped around the house. Being a chef helps because then I wouldn’t always have to do all the cooking in the family. I walk out of my room and got to the kitchen. There they were all four of them putting groceries away. If I had a camera on hand, I would take a candid picture of that moment. I walk up to Jonny wrap my arms around his waist from behind and whisper in his ear “Hey Daddy”. He instantly turns around and plants his lips on mine softly. I swear I can never get enough of this man. “Hey mamma, are you off now to meet Cat and Conner?” he askes still inches from my face. “Ewww you too not in front of us...” Jackie said with a face of disgust. Both Jonny and I chuckle. “Don’t wait up hun. And kids do your homework I will be checking it when I come back.” “Yes mom” the three said in unison. I drive over to the new shop. Its still empty with only a few worktables and a cooler but its slowly getting there. As I enter there was Cat with her laptop standing at the end of one of the worktables. “Hey Cat, whats up?” “Hey Rach… just looking over the new logo, I'm incorporating it to our letter head and sending emails to coordinators for our grand opening.” “Sounds great! I'm sure that Jonny is already planning the catering menu for our event. But I have some great news!!!” just then Conner comes in. He nodes and me and walks over to his wife and kisses her the top of her head. “So, Rach have you told Cat the news?” “I was about to but now that your hear. Cat I have just passed my real estate exam and invested in some condo and big properties. I am starting a property management group….” “What!!!!!!” she screams “I’m not done… I'm also starting a new company that will act as an umbrella company to keep everything organized. I'm calling it RJ holdings CO. “ “Dude that sounds amazing!!! So, what’s next…President of the United States…because at the rate your going there is nothing that you can’t do.” Cat said with an eye roll and a hint of sarcasm. “No president…but I just want to leave something for the kids. Not just mine but Leah too. Conner and I are going to be looking for a headquarters complete with plenty of offices and conference room so we can have enough space for different departments. Conner being the president of accounting and relations and I being the CEO.” “Wow who would have thought that the two of you were going to be some type of big hot shot corporate peps. But I'm not complaining.” Cat said with a chuckle and sense of pride. “It’s simply better this way. Keeping everything under one roof to manage. Jonny is totally on board. He needs someone to manage the business side of the restaurants so he can focus on the food.” “Well I think this is wonderful. I assume your going to have an HR department included knowing you.” Cat said “Of course. I want all my employees to be happy. You know how much this town means to me. If I can improve employment then I can ensure this towns future.” “Well lets get done to the accounting aspect now shall we?” Conner said before we veer off too much off topic.